ci4弛

Jyutpingci4

Yalechìh

語素

Definition

To relax the string of a bow; to relax or sag.

to relax the string of a bow
figurativeto relax; to loosen; to sag

writtendescriptionsdaily actions

How it's used

Used primarily in formal or literary contexts, this character rarely appears as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. It is most commonly encountered in the four-character idiom 張弛有度, which describes the healthy balance between effort and rest. When people talk about relaxing in daily life, they almost always use 鬆或者放鬆 instead.

Examples

zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好taai2太gan2緊zoeng1張，jiu3要sik1識dak1得zoeng1張ci4弛jau5有dou6度。

Don't be too tense in life, you need to know how to balance work and rest.

keoi5佢zeoi3最gan6近gung1工zok3作taai3太mong4忙，jyun4完cyun4全mou5冇si4時gaan1間sung1鬆ci4弛jat1一haa5下。

He has been too busy with work lately and has absolutely no time to relax.

Common phrases

zoeng1張ci4弛jau5有dou6度

striking a balance between tension and relaxation

sung1鬆ci4弛

to relax or slacken

Common mistake

Do not use this character in casual conversation to mean relaxing your body or mind, as it will sound overly formal or archaic. Stick to 鬆 for everyday speech.